may enter PAR by Friday; DOH on alert

THE state weather bureau on Monday said it is monitoring a tropical cyclone that may develop into a super typhoon outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) but enter it by Friday.

In its latest public weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone -- international name "Mawar" -- was last seen 2,330 km east of Mindanao.

The typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph. It is moving westnorthwestward at 15 kph.

Once inside, it will be given the local name "Betty" and is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon, the bureau said. Weather forecaster Anna Clauren-

Jorda said there is a low probability of the cyclone making landfall in the Philippines.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised Filipinos to prepare for the tropical storm that could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late this week and possibly develop into a super typhoon.

In an advisory, the DOH said that its Health Emergency Management Bureau Operation Center is monitoring the possible effects of Typhoon Mawar in the country.

“In anticipation of the progress of this Tropical Storm, the DOH advises the public to prepare and report any untoward incident that may later be related to this weather disturbance,” the agency said.

The DOH also encouraged the public to contact their respective local disaster and emergency risk team for assistance in case of emergency.

As part of preparations for the incoming storm, the DOH advised the public to prepare an emergency go bag that includes ready-to-eat food, clothes, first aid kit, tools, sleeping bags, and COVID-19 protection kit, among others.

The public was also urged to prepare their homes for possible flooding; understand signs of an emergency; and get ready in case evacuation is necessary.

Most parts of the country will continue to experience rain showers due to the southwesterly wind flow and localized thunderstorms on Tuesday, the bureau added. Rio N.

Araja

“This is inspired by the US model, where airline employees play a crucial role in reporting potential cases of trafficking. We recognize the immense value of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the private sector. As seen in incidents in the US, collaborations among agencies are instrumental in identifying and preventing trafficking incidents,” Tansingco said.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old female was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in an attempt to leave the country with fake travel documents.

The victim, whose name was withheld following anti-trafficking laws, was intercepted while attempting to board a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Singapore.

The BI-Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) report said that upon primary inspection, the immigration officers doubted the authenticity of her travel authority and referred her for secondary inspection.

Upon closer scrutiny, it was confirmed that the travel authority—a document required of all government employees stating that their agency has approved their travel abroad—was indeed fake.